Beijing – In a sweeping disciplinary move, China’s state‑run Xinhua news agency reported that two of the People’s Liberation Army’s highest‑ranking officers have been expelled from both the Communist Party and the military. The officials, Vice‑Chairman Zhang Youxia and Lieutenant General Liu Zhenli, were accused of “serious violations of discipline and law,” including disloyalty, corruption, dereliction of duty and the formation of cliques.
Key figures and their roles
Zhang Youxia served as the second‑in‑command of the nation’s armed forces, holding the post of vice‑chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). He has long been regarded as President Xi Jinping’s closest military ally and a member of the elite Politburo. Liu Zhenli, a CMC member, headed the Joint Staff Department’s chief of staff, overseeing day‑to‑day operational planning for the PLA.
Charges and official statements
According to Xinhua, the two generals “seriously violated political discipline and political rules, formed cliques and factions, and were disloyal and dishonest to the party.” The agency added that they “crossed red lines and basic limits,” intertwining political and economic wrongdoing, engaging in corrupt self‑enrichment, and abusing their offices.
The official documents cited by Xinhua emphasized the magnitude of the alleged misconduct, noting that the sums involved were “exceptionally large” and that the impact of their actions was “extremely egregious.”
Context of the crackdown
The expulsions come amid a broader anti‑corruption campaign that President Xi launched in 2012, targeting both civilian officials and military leaders. Probes into Zhang and Liu were first announced in January, and both were removed from the CMC in late August before the final decision was made public.
Analysts note that the timing of the announcement is significant. It arrives just days before President Xi’s scheduled visit to the United States for talks with President Donald Trump, and weeks before a key Party congress in October that will address internal governance and discipline.
Implications for the PLA and Chinese politics
The removal of two senior officers underscores the continued emphasis the Chinese leadership places on loyalty and discipline within the armed forces. By targeting high‑profile figures close to President Xi, the Party signals that no rank is immune from scrutiny.
Observers also point out that the move may serve as a warning to other senior officials who could be perceived as forming factions or deviating from the Party line. The crackdown reinforces President Xi’s narrative of a unified, disciplined military that aligns closely with the Party’s strategic objectives.
International reaction
Foreign ministries and analysts have noted the development as part of China’s ongoing effort to consolidate control over its military establishment. While the expulsions are internal matters, they are likely to be watched closely by U.S. and allied officials as they assess the stability and direction of China’s defense policy ahead of upcoming diplomatic engagements.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
